Adult Coloring Books And Stress Reduction

[falling_wave]

I just wanted to let you all know about coloring in adult coloring books as stress reduction and distraction from negative feelings or electronic devices as well. Johanna Basford's book were on the news recently because they are so popular and I have a few similar ones. It is my zen and lifesaver right now so wanted to share.

 

[shimmerz]

I used colouring books for quite some time. It helped me a ton.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I stumbled upon a mindfulness colouring book that I like, but I'm going to keep looking. I keep finding coloring books that are INCREDIBLY detailed, and while this may be good for mindfulness, it just agitates me. I am looking for a coloring book that is not geometric. I would like to find one that is not too detailed. I am looking for one that has more natural shapes, ie curves as opposed to sharp angles. This is more soothing for me. I had a number of coloring books in the past but I got rid of them because they weren't soothing (all geometric). I started coloring again and realized I liked it, but only because it wasn't geometric. (Highly geometric figures require a greater level of precision it seems.) Thanks.


ETA

It seems like many of the "stress" relieving books are indeed quite detailed....am I the only one that gets more stressed out by trying to color something detailed? LOL

 

[miffy]

I have been considering buying an adult colouring book for a while but just thought I would never have the time to use it. It's great to hear how it has helped you, so I am going to get one for myself and one for my mum right now!

 

[shimmerz]

I am looking for one that has more natural shapes, ie curves as opposed to sharp angles. This is more soothing for me.

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of this but this is very true for me as well. And yes, I go for simple ones. Too much detail makes my head spin right now.

When I don't have the patience to colour irl then I use an online colouring app. It lets me play with colours without the detailed work of using crayons.

 

[Spiderallis]

Coloring is awesome! If I'm stressed or struggling to focus I'll take a little break to color for a few minutes. It's getting easier to find the good coloring books too. I've seen them in book stores, certain craft shops and then online- some sites have printable coloring pages. For the super detailed designs I like colored pencils or gel pens. It might be a good idea to have some blank paper nearby too, coloring leads to drawing sometimes.

@Solara I think Dover Publications is what you're looking for, they have coloring books with subject matter from biology to mythology and the designs aren't too fussy. Their 'Tiffany Stained Glass' window coloring book was lovely, accurate designs printed on thinner paper to hang in windows.

 

[Born to Run]

I came across this news item yesterday:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/...t_secret_garden_addictive_coloring_books.html

Adulthood seems to be having a regressive moment. There’s preschool for adults in Brooklyn. And the Guardian reported on Sunday that half of the top sellers on Amazon’s U.K. site are coloring books for grown-ups.

I agree with Solara in that the detailed patterns make me nervous and not relaxed; prefer organic shapes.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Does anyone in the USA know if you can get these adult type coloring books at craft stores like AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann or Michaels? I can find them online, but the craft stores are always putting out 40-50% off coupons. I'm also going to scout out our local used book stores. That's where I found my anatomy coloring book last fall.

 

[ihateusernames]

@Solara I actually saw one at Ollie's the other day. It was a mandela book, so it was still all geometric stuff. The reverse side of each page was blank. I considered buying it as a journal. It's a discount store in this area that gets irregulars and stuff. Kind of like a Ross or Big Lots. You could try stores like that where they have various odds and ends.

My favorite coloring book by far has been a Fancy Nancy book I got at Target. It's not an adult coloring book, though, and it's full of drawings of little girls so I know that might not be very relaxing for some people.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Ahhh, I was just at Ollies looking through their Dummies books! (I'm addicted, LOL....to the books that is! No, I wasn't looking for "Addiction for Dummies"....)

We have a few Ollies in the area....I can hit up a few of them this week, and the other one in a few weeks if I don't find anything at those two. My closest Ollies has a HUGE book section...what area did you find that book in? Art books? Journals? I could dig around, but knowing the right section would save me tons of time!

I really do love searching through closeout stores and used book stores because you never know what you're going to find. And even if one or two of the pics is already colored in (from a used book store), no big deal as the books are so cheap anyway. I love our local used book store because I take in old books and get store credit for them.....I tell everyone in my family to give their old books to me, and that way I can fund my book and music addiction, LOL

 

[Fraser46]

I thinking colouring in great to keep me grounded. I sometimes need to colour when I get anxious during therapy sessions. I like the Art Therapy and the Secret Garden books. I have also started to use the extreme dot to dot books, which can also then be coloured in.

 

[ihateusernames]

@Solara It was with all of the children's coloring and paint by number type books in the big shelves along the wall. I've only been to 2 of their stores, but they were both set up that way.

The one I saw was probably about 5x5" and pretty thick.

I don't pay full price for anything. LOL. My friend calls me cheap like it's a bad thing. Ha. If I can't find a major clearance or something in one of the "junk" stores I'll get it thrift or consignment.